Related content

The visit was the culmination of the three-day seminar held at the Riviera International Conference Centre.

Speakers included Julia Smith, ward sister at Paignton Hospital, Carol Gray and her colleague Corrine Lowe from Brixham Health and Social Care, Nigel Hare from Devon Air Ambulance and Elizabeth Bennetts from Rowcroft Hospice.

On their last day, the students visited Paignton Hospital staff and physiotherapist Rachel Rowles took them to the hub of social care services for Paignton, where the process of the integrated care system were explained.

Birgit Morrison, matron at Paignton Hospital, said: "Paignton Hospital was extremely privileged to welcome a group of 33 student nurses from the Quimper nurses' programme in France.

"Although it was only a whistle-stop tour, students were able to spend time in the x-ray department where they were shown the latest developments and we were able showcase the integrated health and social care system we have in Torbay."

They also met two student nurses at Paignton.

Following the tour, sister Julia Smith, who helped set up the visit to Paignton, and Birgit Morrison received a cheque for £350 presented by Ian Smith from The Training Partnership, in appreciation of the effort and support given by Paignton Hospital.

The donation will be used for educational material within the hospital.

Ian Smith, work placement manager at The Training Partnership, said: "The visit has been a great success. We hope to develop this into a regular event and are looking forward to welcoming Marie Helene and another group of her students next year — perhaps even arranging a reciprocal visit from Paignton to France."

The programme was organised by Debbie Campbell, programme manager at The Training Partnership.